What to move onto after 0.3% retinol?

[littlepeas]

I'm ready to up my retinol percentage! I started with 0.3% (le Roche Posay) - is 1% too steep a jump? Any recommendations? My skin is fairly sensitive, but has strangely coped very well with retinol so far - I obviously don't want to push it too much though.

I would say 1% was a big jump from 0.3. Though it depends on formulation. I’d probably go 0.5 or 0.6.

I’ve said on another thread, I’m currently using the Medik8 Crystal6 which is a 0.6 and doesn’t irritate me at all. It’s early days for long term results (only been using a month or so) but so far it leaves my skin looking and feeling ‘better’ than it did before I was using it. Plumper and fresher. Especially around the eyes and the 11’s, which are my problem areas. As I said on the other thread though, it is fairly expensive at £59 for 30ml.

I tried the LRP redermic and found it irritating. I got spots and redness. Prior to using the Medik8 I was using the Paula’s Choice 1% in the purple pump (which is a similar price to the Medik8) and again found it a bit much, plus I found an increase in milia. At the budget end, I tried the ordinary one in oil and the white emulsion one but didn’t like the textures and didn’t see much difference on my skin.

I came on to recommend Medik 8 too. They are a solid brand and you can get 0.6% retinol. I’m also using Medik 8 crystal which is a different formula to their standard retinol. All the information is on their website. I didn’t order direct from Medik 8 as their postage was extortionate, considering the amount I was spending! Various online retailers sell with around a 10% discount.

Spork may I ask how far you take the Medik8 into the eye area? Do you apply it anywhere near the upper eyelids? I've read differing opinions about retinol near the eyes - some say that the reason it shouldn't be applied on eyelids (upper or lower) is not because it wouldn't work but only because of the danger of getting the product in your eyes and causing irritation.
I'd like to reduce eyelid crepeyness and think only retinols can achieve this. I think LRP Redermic for eyes says it's OK for eyelids, but most eye creams warn not to use on the eyelids, just on the browbone.
The LRP didn't seem to do much for me, hence I'd like to try something stronger.

How do you know when you're ready to up the percentage? After finishing one bottle? Or waiting a particular amount of time? I'm about to try retinol for the first time at 0.3%.

I go all over with Medik8. Honestly, it feels like a really light, gentle serum/cream. I get no irritation whatsoever. 1.5 pumps does my face and neck. I dot it on my orbital area first and out along crows feet area and then sort of light tap it in all around the eye. Lid included. Then a dot the rest all over, fairly evenly (touch more on 11’s and forehead for me) and lightly massage in with the flats of my fingers.

A lot of eyecreams are just moisturiser in tiny pots, so they say don’t put it on your lids because you’ll probably get puffy (bit rich for lids) and maybe yes, get a bit in your eye. But as far as I know, there is no good reason not to take a cosmetic retinol serum around the eyes. I probably wouldn’t do it with something prescription, because of the peeling and drying harshness. I start with testing new stuff on ‘main’ face and if I get on well with it (no red ess, peeling, spots, soreness, she’s etc), I get on and use it around the bits that really need it.

She’s etc should say rashes etc!

I went from 0.3% la Roche posay to 1% Paula’s choice Retinol and I was fine but I do have strong dark skin!

I think you can buy a little 15ml trial size of the Paula’s choice 1%, if you wanted to try it before committing to a big bottle.

Thank you! Think I will try the Medik6!

I mean Medik8 6!

I ordered the stuff from Medik8 after I responded on this thread and it arrived Saturday - really good service (paid the cheapest postage). Also really like the products so far - got the crystal 6 retinol, the vit c serum and the mineral sunscreen (as needed one of those too) and so far have been pleased with all 3. No stinging or redness on application and no spots yet either - 2 issues I often have with skincare! If this continues I may try their other skincare too (currently using Pai) - I'd never heard of the company before, so just wanted to say thank you for recommending!

Oh great

Never heard of Medik8 so had a look at their website. I notice that some of the retinol products are packaged in dropper bottles, which means they will be exposed to the air every time you open it.

Doesn't retinol degrade on contact with the air?

Generally, I think dropper bottles are a no-no for some ingredients. Certainly for ingredients like vitamin c (don’t know if retinol oxidises in the same way though). The stuff I use comes in a tube with an airtight pump, so the last pump you dispense is as fresh as the first.

Having used the Ordinary dropper retinol, I cant say as I noticed a change in smell or texture as the open bottle aged. I didn’t like the product much but it wasn’t for those reasons.

I'm using the Ordinary 1% retinol in squalene now. Haven't noticed any effect yet but then retinol takes several weeks to see a notiacable difference so I wouldn't expect to. Was a bit disappointed to find it was in a dropper bottle though, as I had read that retinol is sensitive to light and air and should always be packaged in an opaque pump.